Protect Your Breathing

KEEP THOSE AIRWAYS FLYING. Our lungs are designed to perform their well-choreographed routine without so much as a hiccup. Until stuff that’s in the air like germs, toxins, smoking and pollution, wreak havoc on these delicate organs. The key to breathing health is to protect your lungs from the things most likely to harm them before the damage is done. Here’s a look at some of the biggest threats to your lung health and how you can avoid or minimize them.

Lung Disease

WHEN BREATHING IS HARD WORK. The first sign that something’s wrong with our respiratory system may be a chronic cough, shortness of breath, excess mucus, wheezing, chronic chest pain or even coughing up blood. Over time, the risks add up and can trigger even more significant respiratory disease. The Lung Association has been researching lung conditions for over a century. In this section you will find lots of relevant Information on different lung ailments, including asthma, COPD, lung cancer and IPF.

We Can Help

OUR HEARTS ARE IN IT. One person in five in Canada is affected by lung disease. Millions more are in jeopardy. The Lung Association is here for everyone who breathes. We realize that a diagnosis of lung disease brings endless questions and concerns. We don’t want anyone to deal with that alone. Our Lung Health Info Line, support groups, programs and information can make it easier to cope.

You Can Help

PANTING WITH EXCITEMENT. We are doers and dreamers. We are family and friends. We embrace the challenge of better breathing and can’t wait to roll up our sleeves. But we need your help. We’re always looking for like-minded people to join our movement. People who will campaign with us, partner with us, play with us and make a difference with us. Take a look at some of the interesting ways you can get involved.

Research

CROSSING FRONTIERS AND FINGERS. What does it take to outwit lung disease? Outstanding research. Our investigators are involved in projects that cover all the bases, from studying how diseases work to developing real-world therapies. They have pioneered the latest lung transplantation treatments and cutting-edge diagnostic tests. Learn more about some of the dramatic breakthroughs we have supported, investigations we are currently backing, and how to apply for funding.

PRIMARY CARE ASTHMA PROGRAM

PCAP is a standardized program based on best practices, outcomes from the PCAPP project and the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines (CACG). It uses specific tools designed to guide practitioners and clients through effective management of asthma. It is evolving as a program and continues to develop and evaluate resources needed to effectively provide asthma care in the primary care setting.

The Primary Care Asthma Program (PCAP) evolved from the MoHLTC funded Primary Care Asthma Pilot Project (PCAPP 2002-2006) and is aligned with the health professional arms of The Lung Association (including the Ontario Thoracic Society and the Ontario Respiratory Care Society) to help facilitate and enhance effective implementation and coordination to participating sites.

Interested in PCAP?

The PCAP program provides support and resources to implement a lung health program in your primary care setting. Please contact the PCAP provincial coordinator for inquiries about implementing the PCAP program in your primary care setting.